After the chief priest had departed, Rāma, whose mind was disciplined and pure from his morning bath, together with his wide-eyed wife Sītā, approached the sacred presence of Nārāyaṇa. Carrying the vessel for oblation in his hands, he performed the ritual as prescribed, offering clarified butter into the blazing fire for the great deity. When the rite was complete, Rāma ate the remainder of the offering, seeking auspiciousness for himself, and then sat upon a seat spread with sacred grass, meditating deeply upon Nārāyaṇa. As the night drew to its end and only one watch remained, Rāma awoke and had his house adorned thoroughly according to custom. In the early morning, he listened to the pleasant words of bards, genealogists, and panegyrists, sitting in worship and reciting prayers with unwavering concentration. He praised and bowed his head to Madhusūdana. Dressed in pure linen, he arranged for the Brāhmaṇas to recite the Vedas. The auspicious and profound chanting of the Brāhmaṇas, sweet and deep, accompanied by the music of instruments, resounded throughout Ayodhyā. News spread quickly that Rāma, together with Sītā, had completed their fast. The people of Ayodhyā rejoiced at this, and as the night ended, they began to adorn the city for the coming consecration. At temples gleaming like peaks of white clouds, at crossroads, on streets, at shrines, and on balconies, everywhere the city was decorated. Merchant shops, filled with various goods, and the prosperous homes of householders were splendidly adorned. In assembly halls and even on unmarked trees, flags and banners were raised high. Troupes of actors, dancers, and singers performed, filling the city with words and songs pleasing to mind and ear. In the squares and within their homes, people spoke eagerly about Rāma’s consecration, as the moment of his anointing drew near. Even the children, playing in groups at their doorways, spoke only of Rāma’s consecration among themselves. The royal road was prepared by the citizens for Rāma’s anointing, splendidly adorned with offerings of flowers and perfumed with incense. To dispel the darkness of night, lamp-bearing trees were set up along every side street. Having decorated Ayodhyā so beautifully, the people, longing for Rāma’s installation as crown prince, waited in anticipation. They gathered in groups in the squares and assembly halls, speaking among themselves and praising their beloved lord. Many said, “Ah, the great-souled king, the joy of the Ikṣvāku line, knowing himself to be aged, will anoint Rāma as king. Indeed, we are all blessed, for Rāma, who understands the ways of the world, will be our king and protector for a long time. Rāghava, whose mind is free from arrogance, learned, righteous, and loving toward his brothers, is as affectionate to us as he is to them. Long may the righteous and faultless King Daśaratha live, by whose favor we shall see Rāma anointed.” While the citizens spoke in this way, others, having heard the news from all directions, began to arrive from the countryside. Those people, coming from every direction to witness Rāma’s anointing, filled the city. With crowds spreading everywhere, a great sound arose—like the roar of the ocean at the time of the full moon. Ayodhyā, now resembling Indra’s own abode, was thronged on all sides by eager country folk, resounding tumultuously and shining like the ocean filled with its waters. Meanwhile, in another part of the palace, a maidservant born among Kaikeyī’s relatives, happened by chance to ascend a palace shining like the moon. From there, Mantharā gazed down upon Ayodhyā. She saw the royal roads sprinkled and strewn with lotuses and water-lilies. The city was adorned with splendid banners and flags, sprinkled with sandalwood water, and filled with people who had bathed their heads. The air was resounding with the voices of distinguished Brāhmaṇas holding garlands and sweets, with white temple doorways, and filled with the sound of all musical instruments. Joyful people abounded, the chanting of Brahmins echoed, delighted elephants and horses paraded, and excited bulls and cows bellowed. Seeing Ayodhyā so adorned, its citizens elated and rejoicing, Mantharā was struck with utmost astonishment. She wondered, “Absorbed in the highest joy and intent on gain, the mother of Rāma—what wealth is she distributing to the people? Tell me, what is the reason for this extraordinary happiness among the people? What will the delighted king do?” Overwhelmed with joy, the nurse, filled with great delight, explained to the hunchback Mantharā the greater fortune coming to Rāghava: “Tomorrow, under the Pushya star, King Daśaratha will anoint Rāma, who has conquered anger and is faultless, as crown prince.” Hearing these words, Mantharā, quickly angered, descended from the palace, which shone like the peak of Mount Kailāsa.